chieftain

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtʃiːft(ə)n, -tɪn/

noun

  • the leader of a people or clan: powerful feudal chieftains
  • informal a powerful member of an organization: an elite composed of corporate chieftains

Derivatives

chieftaincy

Pronunciation: /-si/
noun (plural chieftaincies)

chieftainship

noun

Origin:

Middle English and Old French chevetaine, from late Latin capitaneus (see captain). The spelling was altered by association with chief